Why Portugal?
Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. It’s a popular tourist destination, and for good reason: the food is delicious, the people are friendly, and the scenery is breathtaking.
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, it’s important to know what payment methods are accepted. While most businesses accept credit cards, cash is still the most popular way to pay in Portugal.
Travel Card or Debit Card?
If you’re planning on using your debit card in Portugal, it’s important to make sure that it has a chip. Many card machines in Portugal require a chip, and you may not be able to use your card if it doesn’t have one.
Apple Pay is another alternative that works well in larger towns. Most stores use a chip machine that offers a contactless pay option as well. I actually lost my credit card last year and have been able to use Apple Pay on my phone almost exclusively whenever I need to use a credit card. So, it’s worth loading all your cards in Apple Pay on your phone for more flexibility.
ATMs in Portugal
Cash machines are fairly easy to find throughout Portugal, but beware of certain ATMs. It’s always best to find a bank ATM so that you know you’re getting a fair exchange rate and reasonable fees. One type of ATM to avoid if at all possible is the Euronet ATM. These are not connected to banks, and they are tourist traps. The exchange rates are absurd, and they charge very high fees.
Which Credit Card is Accepted in Portugal?
While there are plenty of places that accept credit cards throughout Portugal, it’s always a safe bet to carry cash money. That said, Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted cards throughout Portugal and Europe. American Express is accepted occasionally, but it’s not as common to be able to use it in Portugal.
Compare Travel Credit Cards
When traveling to another country, it’s important to consider how your credit card will work for you. While tons of banks and card issuers have travel plans, it is in your best interest to invest in a premium travel rewards card. These credit cards reward you for certain types of purchases and can significantly reduce how much you spend on travel!
There are many options for premium travel rewards cards, all with exclusive benefits. However, four cards rise above the competition: the Chase Sapphire Reserve, The Platinum Card from American Express, and the Capital One Venture Card stack up best for amazing general travel benefits, and the NEW TAP Miles&Go American Express® Credit Card. There’s a reason these cards compete at a higher level than the rest. Let’s dive into how they stack up against each other in the market.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel rewards card that offers a variety of benefits, including a $300 annual travel credit, 3x points on travel and dining, and 1.5x points on all other purchases. The card also has a $550 annual fee, but the benefits can easily outweigh the cost if you travel frequently.
The Platinum Card from American Express: The Platinum Card from American Express is another premium travel rewards card that offers a variety of benefits, including a $200 annual airline fee credit, 5x points on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel, and 1x point on all other purchases. The card also has a $695 annual fee, but the benefits can easily outweigh the cost if you travel frequently.
Capital One Venture Card: The Capital One Venture Card is a premium travel rewards card that offers a variety of benefits, including 2x miles on all purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and a $100 travel credit every year. The card also has a $95 annual fee, but the benefits can easily outweigh the cost if you travel frequently.
TAP Miles&Go American Express® Credit Card: TAP Miles&Go American Express® Credit Card is tailored toward mileage collectors who fly TAP Air Portugal often. There are three versions of this card, but all three offer bonus miles for TAP purchases and the ability to earn miles on everyday spending. Depending on the card you choose, the annual fee ranges from $0 to $195. Non-TAP purchases earn 1 point per $1 spent, and TAP purchases earn 2 points per $1 spent.
Conclusion:
Navigating Portugal’s payment landscape is crucial for a seamless and fulfilling travel experience. By understanding the recommended credit cards, alternative payment methods, ATM etiquette, and widely accepted card types, you can confidently plan your trip, avoid unnecessary fees, and maximize your financial flexibility.
The choice of the best credit card depends on your specific travel style and needs. Consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve for a comprehensive travel companion with generous travel credits and bonus points. If exclusive perks and access to airport lounges are your priority, The Platinum Card from American Express will not disappoint. For a budget-friendly option with no foreign transaction fees, the Capital One Venture Card offers an excellent value proposition.
